At Sutton’s Thriving in Uncertainty event on June 10, 2025, we brought together some of Canada’s most respected voices in leadership, wellness, and workplace strategy. What followed was a day of powerful storytelling, practical tools, and deeply human insights—designed to help employers lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence in a world that’s constantly shifting.
We created The Insight Series—a four-part recap capturing the most impactful lessons from our speakers. Whether you joined us in person or are just catching up now, these summaries are designed to spark reflection, conversation, and action.
The Insight Series Part 4: Building Resilient Workplaces Through Benefits, Culture & Leadership
In the final instalment of The Insight Series, Sutton’s own Andrea Hansen moderated a dynamic panel featuring three influential leaders: Jason Mewis (President, Engcomp), Casey Collins (CEO, Prairie Meets), and Tammy Forester (CEO, Ronald McDonald House). Together, they explored how strategic benefits, mental health initiatives, and intentional culture-building can transform workplaces—especially during times of uncertainty and change.
Benefits as Strategy, Not Perks
Tammy shared how Ronald McDonald House evolved its benefits from basic offerings into a strategic tool for recruitment and retention. By introducing flexible wellness days and health spending accounts, the organization supports diverse employee needs—especially those with families abroad—while reinforcing its values.
Casey highlighted Prairie Meets’ commitment to continuous learning and adapting benefits based on employee feedback. For a largely blue-collar workforce, this means addressing financial and scheduling challenges with empathy and flexibility.
Jason emphasised Engcomp’s investment in health, wellness, and financial programmes, with a strong focus on mental health and resilience. By partnering with experts like Resilience Shield, Engcomp integrates resilience-building into everyday leadership and development.
Mental Health & Whole-Person Leadership
Mental health emerged as a central theme. Jason’s approach treats resilience as a skill to be developed, not a one-off initiative. Tammy spoke about leading with empathy—treating colleagues like family and recognizing the emotional intensity of their work. This whole-person leadership fosters trust and connection.
Culture Through Rituals & Listening
Tammy described weekly huddles that include land acknowledgements, mission moments, and gratitude sharing. These simple rituals ground teams in purpose and build emotional resilience.
Casey and Jason stressed the importance of listening—through surveys, town halls, and everyday conversations. When employees feel heard, they’re more engaged and empowered to shape their workplace experience.
Leadership by Example
Both Casey and Jason underscored the importance of leaders modelling wellness and personal growth. Whether it’s Jason’s own “R&D” process in wellbeing or Casey’s encouragement of daily development, the message is clear: culture starts at the top.
Culture Takes Time
Jason closed with a powerful reminder: building a high-performing, people-centred culture requires patience and short-term sacrifices. But the long-term payoff is a more resilient, committed workforce.
Final Thought
This panel brought to life the real-world strategies behind successful, supportive workplaces. From flexible benefits to mental health investment, from gratitude rituals to whole-person leadership, the message was clear: when organizations prioritize people, they don’t just survive uncertainty—they thrive.
Insight Series Conclusion
At Sutton, we believe that thriving workplaces are built on more than policies—they’re built on people. That’s why we’re committed to bringing our clients not just products and solutions, but perspective. The Insight Series is one way we deliver on that promise.
If these insights resonated with you, we invite you to join us again next year. Our 2026 event will continue to elevate the conversation—bringing together bold thinkers, practical tools, and a community of leaders who care deeply about doing work differently.
📅 Save the date announcements coming soon.
Until then, stay curious and stay connected!
